Shelley Klassen rarely misses Vancouver Fashion Week; not only because she has shown a collection in almost every season of the long-standing local event, but because its an invaluable opportunity to network with designers from around the world.
And in one week, those designers will arrive in Vancouver to showcase Fall/Winter 2013.
From near collapse in 2006 and 2007, when the week was only two days, show producer Jamal Abdourahman has regrouped to build his event on the principle that it is for everybody (Were not here to dictate, Youre good, youre not good) he casts models who have sometimes never walked in a show, and invites award-winning and emerging international designers who havent always had the opportunity to appear in the Parises and New Yorks of the fashion world.
VFW now draws adrenaline- and coffee-addicted bloggers from as far away as Australia on the opportunity to see future supermodels (à la Coco Rocha), catch début success stories such as Ugandan label Kas Wear, or froth over collections such as the UKs Jacob Kimmie (Sat. March 23).
In contrast to the model of other fashion weeks, such as those run by IMG, Abdourahman keeps his event fiercely independent. And while that has sometimes led to catwalk chaos (55 designers and 20,000 attendees over the five days), it is also what makes Vancouver Fashion Week so important to local talent.
Tapped to close opening night, Klassen loves the buzz it creates.
It gets people excited about fashion! It gives people in Vancouver my clientele the opportunity to take part in something fun, creative and entertaining. The beauty is that it is accessible to the public.
After showing a collection, Klassen says not only does it translate to increased sales at her boutique, but increased camaraderie.
Its a great opportunity to meet and chat up other people in the industry as we all tend to get bogged down in our own world of design and production, and there is really a lot we can learn from one another. Because I have my own boutique in the city, it not only exposes my work to new potential clients, but it gives my existing clients the opportunity to see the clothing on bodies. My designs are cut for real women (woman have curves!) and hanger appeal doesnt always cut it.
A veteran of six VFW collections so far (missing the odd one due to childbirth, etc.), Klassen hasnt always been immune to the pressures backstage.
At my very first VFW show, going back maybe 10 years now, I was so nervous I couldnt eat that day. Just as the show was about to start, I felt as if I was going to faint and found myself yelling like a drama queen Someone bring me a banana! These days I am more excited than nervous to show my work.
Klassens fans know to expect feminine silhouettes and exquisite tailoring, but, this season, bold prints, lace surprises, and a range of colours from bright jewel tones to shimmering pastel wrap up the modern romantic.
This collection is all about making a statement and saying This is who I am! Think Kate Middleton: beautiful, confident and sophisticated, yet very feminine.
After studying haute couture design, sewing and pattern-making at the Richard Robinson Academy in Ottawa, the Canadian designer was drawn to the beauty of the West Coast, and is passionate about keeping her manufacturing in Canada, and her production in Vancouver.
I still do all my own patterns, as this is part of the design process for me.
Klassen, as a community builder in her own right (hosting events and carrying upwards of 15 other Canadian designers at Blushing Boutique, 579 Richards), is a stalwart example of what Abdourahman and the team of volunteers at Vancouver Fashion Week set out to do.
It is all about creating a great community and energy in the city, says Klassen.
With new sponsors, such as Boboli and the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, and creative talent such as Lawrence McDonald, Nadia Palcich Lago and Diana Zoppa joining Abdourahman at the helm, one could say that Vancouver Fashion Week (March 19-24) is moving in a new direction by counting on the maturity of the talent it has helped develop.
Fashion Week kicks off with an Opening Gala and Boboli runway show, March 19 at the Four Seasons (791 West Georgia). The shows then run March 20-24 at Chinese Cultural Centre. For designer, schedule and ticket information visit VanFashionWeek.com. Enter to win a pair of passes to opening night (March 20) by clicking here.
Editors note: Reporter Kelsey Klassen is of no relation to Shelley Klassen.
